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Award Categories

Nominations have now closed.

Nominations for 2017 have now closed. The 2017 Unleashed Awards were held on 19 October at Fed Square, Melbourne.

There are 9 Award categories in total, with 7 open to public nominations. Check out the categories below to see which kind of initiatives, projects, and enterprises might be getting a big old pat on the back! Every award category is open to applicants from all faiths and cultural backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, and physical and intellectual abilities.

Award Categories

Each award category will also feature highly commended finalists to be announced on the night, with the exception of the Rookie Enterprise of the Year Awards where nominees will be eligible for the Rookie Enterprise of the Year State and Territory Awards.

This category is open to any business, venture, or social enterprise that was created by students from year levels 7-9 at school.

We are looking for projects that are innovative, have potential to grow, and maybe even made an impact within their community. We’re here to back Australia’s teenpreneurs! Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to any business, venture, or social enterprise that was created by students from year levels 10-12 at school.

We are looking for projects that are innovative, have potential to grow, and maybe even made an impact within their community. We’re here to back Australia’s teenpreneurs! Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to a project or innovation with a social purpose led by an individual or team of people aged 12-18.

We are looking for a project that is just starting out and making a positive contribution to their local community or beyond – something innovative that just needs a little push to take it to the next level! Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to a project or innovation with a social purpose that is having an impact on the local community . It can be led by an individual or team of people, aged 15-25, with special consideration for all those legends in rural or regional areas.

We are looking for a project that might be fresh but has established itself by making a genuine impact in its own community or region. We want to celebrate innovative solutions that show potential to grow. Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to any venture, social enterprises or business with a social purpose, led by young people aged 18-29.

We are keen to support a project that has established itself by making a genuine impact in it’s area of focus. We want to celebrate innovative solutions that show significant potential to grow and could become a game changer in their industry. Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to any social enterprise or venture led by young people aged 18-29.

We are looking for initiatives that are changing the game and creating innovative solutions that respond to society’s most pressing challenges. We want to honour a project that can demonstrate a history of genuine impact, as leading changemakers of our generation. Winners will receive $1000, a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

This category is open to any Australian business, organisation or educational institution, with a commitment to preparing young people for our future world and way of work.

We are looking for organisations that are leaders in innovative youth-engagement practices, and embed enterprise and entrepreneurial skills in their learning – truly bringing FYA’s New Work Order research to life! This award will be decided upon by a panel of external sector experts. Winners will receive a trip to the Unleashed Awards in Melbourne and a whole day of exclusive activities with FYA.

Nominations now closed.

Other awards you can see on the night!

This award will go to an individual who is well known in the public domain and is leading the way with social change.

The Champion of Change is someone who is using their influence to make a positive difference across the broader community. We are looking for advocates, campaigners, thought-leaders and all-round legends who are making a splash.

The recipient of this award is decided upon by public poll. Follow FYA on Facebook to submit your vote!

For the first time, the Unleashed Awards will be delivering the Inspired Citizen Award in partnership with the Australian of the Year Awards.

The Inspired Citizens program mobilises our future Young Australians of the Year with support to lead positive change in their communities. This award will be open to Inspired Citizens participants nationally. Come and cheer on the winner of this exciting award on the night!

This award is not open to public vote.

Glossary of Terms

Get to know the lingo

Collaboration – Working with others toward a common goal.

Entrepreneur – A passionate person making a plan or taking action to start anew business, initiative or project.